10 Best Commercial Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

The Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker (HID312A-1) is designed for businesses that need a high volume of nugget ice, producing up to 260 pounds per day. This impressive output is a major strength, making it suitable for restaurants, bars, and healthcare facilities where ice usage is high. Its air-cooled system is energy-efficient, which can help lower electricity bills compared to less efficient models. The machine is also built with user convenience in mind, featuring a touch-free infrared dispensing system that minimizes contact, thus reducing wear and tear over time. Plus, its large 11-inch dispensing area is ideal for filling various containers, enhancing usability in fast-paced environments.

On the maintenance side, the Scotsman offers several advantages. It has sealed, maintenance-free bearings and a removable dust cover, making cleaning easier and reducing the frequency of service calls, which is a bonus for busy operations. The use of R-134a refrigerant further highlights its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. At 800 watts, the machine's power consumption can be significant, so it’s important to ensure that your electrical setup can handle this requirement. The size of the unit, measuring 24.38 inches deep and 16.25 inches wide, also means it needs adequate space for installation. Additionally, while the machine is durable, some users may still face challenges with ice production during periods of excessive demand, and it's crucial to monitor the ice storage capacity to avoid running low. The Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker is a strong choice for businesses that require reliable and efficient ice production, but it's essential to consider your specific needs and setup before making a purchase.

The EUHOMY Commercial Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice for small businesses like bars, cafes, or even home use where nugget (chewable) ice is preferred. It produces up to 70 pounds of pebble ice per day, which should cover moderate daily ice needs but may fall short for very busy places. The ice it makes is soft and chewable, great for drinks and popular with people who enjoy chewing ice.

Its compact size (about 15 inches wide and 32 inches tall) fits well under most counters, and it can be freestanding or built-in, adding flexibility in placement. The double ice basket design helps keep a steady supply of ice ready, and the advanced insulation keeps most of the ice from melting for up to a day, so you aren’t constantly losing your supply. Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to a self-cleaning function and an LCD panel that alerts you when water needs refilling or the bin is full. The 24-hour timer allows you to schedule operation to save energy.

The machine weighs nearly 68 pounds, is fairly compact overall but might require some effort to move or install. This EUHOMY ice maker stands out for its ease of use, good ice quality, and space-saving design, making it suitable for small to medium ice demands in commercial or home settings.

The Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ Crescent Cuber Ice Maker is a reliable option for small bars, hotel lobbies, and office break rooms. It produces up to 213 lbs of crescent-shaped ice per day and stores up to 80 lbs in its built-in storage bin. This makes it suitable for moderate daily ice needs. The machine's compact dimensions (28"D x 24"W x 39"H) and undercounter installation type help save space, making it a good fit for locations with limited room. Its air-cooled mechanism uses front in, front out airflow, which simplifies its placement and allows for efficient operation in smaller spaces.

The energy efficiency, with a wattage of 8.4 kWh, can help manage operational costs. Additionally, the stainless steel finish ensures durability and easy cleaning. Notably, the CycleSaver design and EverCheck alert system aid in reducing maintenance efforts and alerting for necessary service, enhancing ease of use. However, some users might find the ice production capacity insufficient for very high-demand settings, and the initial investment might be higher compared to lower-end models.

The machine operates on a 115v electrical connection, which is standard for most commercial settings, ensuring easy installation. The Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ is well-suited for medium-sized commercial environments requiring consistent and moderate ice production, but may not be the best choice for larger venues with extremely high ice demands.